HSK 6
A这A那
A zhè A nà
The structure 'A this A that' (A这A那)
Explanation
This is the fixed structure "A这A那" (A zhè A nà), in which A is a repeated verb, combined with 这 (zhè, this) and 那 (nà, that) to express an action repeated on many different things, usually carrying a complaining nuance.
verb A + 这 (zhè) + verb A + 那 (nà) → "do this and do that". For example: 说这说那 (shuō zhè shuō nà, talk about this and that), 嫌这嫌那 (xián zhè xián nà, complain about this and that).
used in colloquial speech (everyday spoken language) to criticize, complain, or emphasize being fussy and full of complaints. Usually accompanied by a nuance of dissatisfaction.
Vietnamese learners tend to use two different verbs in the two halves (for example 说这看那) — this is wrong, because A must be the same repeated verb. Also, you cannot reverse it into "这A那A"; the correct order has the verb before 这/那.
Examples
He always patiently listens to her talk about this and that.
This person is really troublesome; he's always complaining about this and that.
Practice
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Learn “A这A那” effectively
The grammar point “A这A那” (The structure 'A this A that' (A这A那)) is one of the key structures at HSK 6. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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